edit autocad drawings onlineSlap me sideways and constrain me to X/Y coordinates. SolidWorks Labs has released a new web app, called BluePrint Now, that allows you to create/edit/save DWG files online. That… is just wild people. Whatcha think the AutoDesk folks think about this. hmmm?

Honestly, when I first tried to use it, I felt like we have a loooong way till we get to 3D CAD online. It’s a step in the right direction though – different tech I imagine. So, before you uninstall AutoCAD and swarm toward the Lab, here are some things you’ll want to know.

  • You’re limited to DWG files under 1MB
  • The tools… are limited – no offset, trim, mirror, measure
  • Possible conflict with object in template. (I had to delete border/title block)
  • Some degradation on zooming in.
  • You can’t edit text of imported drawings.
  • No windows select for the tools

Now that I’ve torn into it, here are some cool things.

  • You can upload/access your tiny dwgs online.
  • You can export as a PDF
  • The dialogue boxes are quick and simple
  • The snaps work well

I would say it’s better right now to throw a quick sketch together and download to make more changes. It’s a neat experiment and I certainly respect the development gang that put the research and time into because aspects of this will be needs in future online CAD Apps.

Author

Josh is founder and editor at SolidSmack.com, founder at Aimsift Inc., and co-founder of EvD Media. He is involved in engineering, design, visualization, the technology making it happen, and the content developed around it. He is a SolidWorks Certified Professional and excels at falling awkwardly.